A huge increase in the number of takeaways in Leeds may be fuelling an obesity epidemic.

That is the message from experts at the British Nutrition Foundation who say that opening a lot of takeways in an area can create an 'obesogenic environment'.

Between 2012 and 2017 the number of takeways in Leeds has risen by 54 per cent, from 345 to 530, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics.

During that same period, there was also a staggering 74 per cent increase increase in the number of adults hospitalised in the city because of conditions relating directly to obesity.

The number of admissions went from 5,094 to 8,862.

But this is not just a problem in Leeds. Across the country, the number of takeaways rose from 23,320 in 2012 to 29,465 in 2017, while obesity-related admissions have been increasing year-on-year since 2013.

The increase in takeaways between 2012 and 2017

Ayela Spiro, Nutrition Science Manager at the British Nutrition Foundation, said: “An obesogenic environment – one that encourages unhealthy food choices and limits physical activity - is an important factor in obesity.

“To tackle the obesity crisis, we need to create environments that encourage healthier choices - yet an increasing number of takeaway establishments may suggest easier accessibility to cheap, unhealthy, calorie dense foods and drinks that is likely to facilitate over-consumption.”

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